Rice notebook: Uncertainty over Manziel makes no difference to Bailiff

Updated 9:06 pm, Monday, August 5, 2013

Rice notebook: Uncertainty over Manziel makes no difference to Bailiff

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Rice coach David Bailiff jokingly outlined Monday how the Owls plan to prepare for the season opener against Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and sixth-ranked Texas A&M.

One day he plans to bring chickens to practice.

Another day he'll bring jackrabbits.

"Whoever catches one starts," Bailiff said as the Owls began fall camp.

In all seriousness, Bailiff said the Owls are looking at the Aug. 31 opener in College Station as more than just facing the elusive Manziel. For now, there also is uncertainty whether Manziel will be eligible for the game; the NCAA reportedly is investigating whether he was paid for autographing sports memorabilia in January.

"That game was never about Manziel," Bailiff said. "We weren't going to come up with any plan to stop Johnny Manziel. I don't think you can anyway. We've got to make sure Rice gets better that day."

Rice senior defensive end Cody Bauer said facing a player of Manziel's caliber provides a unique opportunity.

"It's a big stage and a big challenge," Bauer said. "We love to step up to challenges."

Only two other times have the Owls faced a reigning Heisman winner - a 41-27 win over SMU's Doak Walker in 1949 and a 63-12 loss to Billy Sims and Oklahoma in 1979.

Shahin's career likely over

Junior defensive tackle Hosam Shahin won't play this season, and his career at Rice is likely over.

Shahin did not report for fall camp Sunday, instead remaining home in Canada "with some personal problems he's dealing with right now," coach David Bailiff said. Bailiff did not elaborate on the reason but said Shahin is not expected to return to the team.

The loss of Shahin is a big blow to an already thin interior defensive line. Shahin was among the Owls' top returning defensive players after posting five sacks and 91/2 tackles for loss last season. Stuart Mouchantaf will replace Shahin at defensive tackle.

Bailiff said the Owls will move offensive lineman Trey Martin to the defensive line and look at other players to boost depth during camp.

Coaching staff enjoys continuity

For the first time in several years, coach David Bailiff's coaching staff did not undergo any changes in the offseason.

"That goes a long way because there is a lot of continuity," offensive coordinator John Reagan said. "We're now building off what we already had and not building off the ground in certain areas."

Odds and ends

Free safety Julius White (knee) is expected to be cleared to begin practice in the next few days, while linebacker Cameron Nwosu (knee) will need about two weeks, Bailiff said. … The Sept. 28 home game against Florida Atlantic will kick off at 6 p.m. and be televised by Fox College Sports.